Disney's hilarious smash hit gets the royal treatment in this extraordinary 2-Disc Special Edition -- only on DVD. Starring Academy Award(R) winner Julie Andrews (1964 Best Actress, MARY POPPINS), the enchanting Anne Hatha... more &raquoway, and Hector Elizondo (PRETTY WOMAN), THE PRINCESS DIARIES is a cool, comical Cinderella story that will touch your heart. For teenager Mia Thermopolis (Hathaway), just surviving each school day is an adventure. Then the shocking news arrives that she's a real-life princess! So begins a comical transformation towards poise and princess-ness, including a media storm, jealous schoolmates, and a plot to take over her country.&laquo less

Movie Reviews

A Charming, Modern Day Fairy Tale

Lois Regen | Seattle, WA USA | 07/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I thought that Princess Diaries was a charming, modern day fairy tale with a positive message under the lighthearted surface. Anne Hathaway was excellent, with terrific timing and delivery in her comic scenes, and with a touching subtlety in her dramatic moments. Julie Andrews was wonderful, perfectly cast as the majestic queen, with an undercurrent of affection and vulnerability beneath her regal exterior. The supporting cast was consistent and strong, and the movie had excellent production values and cinematography. The story meandered a bit in the middle, but soon found its focus again with a strong finish, which proved that there's more to being a princess than makeup and manners. A refreshing change from the usual kiddy fare of hyper, smart aleck scripts, I would recommend this film to anyone, but especially to parents with young or pre-teen children."

Family Fun for All--Princess Diaries

Elizabeth P. Goldman | Plano, TX United States | 08/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Princess Diaries is a true delight for family members of all ages. It is rated G (really) thus you can take any age to see it without fear of being surprised by content that is more suitable for older persons. Don't let the rating, teenagers, keep you from seeing this film. It is humorous and every girl's fantasy. This is basically a story of a clumsy, awkward, adolescent girl, living with her bohemian artist mother, who discovers her paternal grandmother is a queen, her father was a prince, thus making her a princess and the only heir to the kingdom of Genovia. The girl, Mia, and her grandmother make a pact. She comes for 2 weeks of "training" in all the social graces, etc. befitting a ruler and then she can decide if this is the life she wishes to live or not. Her answer will be graciously accepted. This is not as straight forward and as simple a movie as it appears. There are a few little twists, turns and surprises on the way to the decision. There are also a few lessons on friendship and what is truly important in one's life. Our entire family (ages 8, 9, 17, 25, and 48) enjoyed this movie thoroughly. Although it will not win an Academy award, it is quite an entertaining, charming, modern fairy tale. Don't miss it.Anne Hathaway (Mia) is funny, quirky, and masters the lip curl quite well in this film. Her clumsiness seems natural and she certainly cleans up well. Her transition from ugly duckling to beautiful swan is reminiscent of the late Audrey Hepburn. Julie Andrews is perfect in her role as the Queen of Genovia bringing just the right amount of sophistication and warmth to the role. Her scenes with Hector Elizondo (Joe) show subtle senuality and the warm fuzziness and comfort of an old and trusted friend. You know there is another story there that isn't being told. Their dance scene together can make you forget Miss Andrews was a singer. (Kids--she was Mary Poppins!) If you wish to see Miss Andrews in her true glory watch her as "Maria" in the movie, The Sound of Music.Other cast members who round out the story and do a great job are Terry Wayne (Clark,the hairdresser), Heather Matarazzo (Lilly) as Mia's best friend, Robert Schwartzman (Michael) who is Lilly's brother, and Patrick Richwood as the neighbor/writer. Mr. Robutusen.Mandy Moore also makes her film debut as one of the "beautiful people" preps who is also part of a singing trio at school."

A good mother-daughter film...

Brit | Minnesota | 07/12/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This my be one of the best films for a mother and daughter to go to. It's a fun film that both generations will enjoy. It's like a "Pretty Woman" for the younger kids. I saw this movie at a screening in June, and to be totally honest, I wasn't sure if I would even enjoy it. Being that I have just finish the 10th grade, this film I thought really showed the true high school life in this date in time. I was very surpirsed to have enjoyed it as much as I did. This film may appeal to the younger crowd, but believe me it was even enjoyable and fun for those older as well. If your looking for a cute film and you enjoyed "Pretty Woman" and "Runaway Bride" then you won't be disappointed!"

The Best Live Action Film For General Audiences!

entertainment lover | USA | 07/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Normally, live action films get PG ratings. This got a G rating and I was expecting it to be very childish, but it's more for teens! The story is great and the acting is remarkable! It's about 15 year old Mina Thermopolis. She's one of the biggest "Freaks" at her school. She has a huge crush on the school jock who's girlfriend is the most popular in school (played by Mandy Moore). When her grandmother who Mia has never met tells her that she's the Princess of a small country in Europe and that she has to rule it, her world turns upside down. She has a complete makeover and now shes the most popular girl in school, the press is on her trail, and all she wants is to be "Invisible". If she dosen't accept her title, her rule will be handed over to stuck up snobs that don't care about anyone but themselves. It's amazing to watch Mia change so much. You'll love it no matter what age you are!"

Great Movie, Better DVD!!!

Mr. JKW | Honolulu, Hawai'i | 01/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THE MOVIE:Although a bit formulaic with the "ugly duckling" storyline, this movie really was a great way to spend two hours. The basic storyline has Mia (Anne Hathaway), an unpopular (to put in mildly) school girl finding out that she's the heir to the throne of a small European kingdom when her long-lost grandmother (the legendary Julie Andrews!!!) shows up to claim her for the throne.The rest of the movie basically shows Mia taking the hilarious steps to refine and (physically and socially) transform herself for the throne while she tries to survive the tenth grade, find the right boyfriend and battle off the paparazzi. While the plot may sound cliché, the movie really is a great flick taking you back to those less than secure days of high school. You'll really feel for Mia as she battles her own self-doubts, feelings, emotions and those sometimes cruel classmates of hers (including pop superstar Mandy Moore).Highlights:- The first state dinner!!!- Beating the ticket!!!- Those high school adventures...- The hilarious lessons in etiquette...- The makeover...- A young girl finds herself!!!The best scenes in the movie for me were the "State Dinner" and the part where they tried to beat a ticket from a cop.THE DVD FEATURES:Overall, Princess Diaries DVD is basically a great representative of what most DVD movies SHOULD be like as it is just chalked full of great extras.1. 8 deleted scenes from the movie, including commentary from director Gary Marshall introducing each scene and then subsequently explaining why they were cut from the movie. GREAT extra.2. Behind-the-scenes documentary/featurette "A New Princess." Truly one of the better behind-the-scenes documentaries I've seen with tons of cast and crew interviews, including looks at the different cast members and why they were cast for their specific roles. You'll get to see a lot of the cast interaction including a cast and crew party.3. Two music videos including Myra's "Miracles Happen" and Krystal Harris' "Supergirl." These were cool...4. TWO OPTIONAL AUDIO COMMENTARIES: One from Gary Marshall and one from Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews. The commentaries actually run throughout the movie where they explain and give their thoughts on each scene.Summed up, this is basically a really, really good DVD and definitely a must-see if you really liked the movie. Disney's done a great job on it.Overall, if you dig those "teen/chick" types of movies, you'll go for this one. I'd equate this to a cross between "Miss Congeniality" and "Never Been Kissed." It's a fun movie to kill a few hours with or to catch while on a date. If you're a guy, I'll guarantee your spouse/girlfriend will probably like it...THE VERDICT: The Movie: RecommendedThe DVD: Highly Recommended If You Really Loved the Movie"